Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Autumn Newsletter... Hello everyone,
Welcome to the Autumn community newsletter...
As usual, there’s lots in this edition, from Middleton carnival round up and training update , to LOTS of upcoming events as
well as information about services available in and around Teesdale and the Durham Dales.
If you have anything for the next newsletter, w h i c h w i l l c o v e r December, January and
February; it could be a story, an event or an advertisement.
Please email details to me at
Best Wishes,
Emma
UTASS A
utum
n 2016
King & Queen of Lesotho Visit the Dale... UTASS were delighted to have
been asked by the Diocese of
Durham to host part of a 3 day
visit in June by King Letsie III of
Lesotho, Queen Masenate
Mohato Seeiso and their Royal
Party.
The visit commemorated the 30th
Anniversary of the link between the
Durham Diocese and Lesotho.
Whilst details of the visit were
embargoed by the Diocese and
Lieutenancy Office until the day
before the visit, UTASS Patrons,
Trustees, Staff, Volunteers,
Members and Funders provided a
full programme for the visitors at
UTASS, Middleton Farmers Mart
and Watersmeeting Farm on
Saturday 25th June 2016. UTASS
Volunteer David Henderson did a
sterling job in organising the event
and ensuring the programme on
the day went as it should.
The King and Queen were
welcomed to Middleton-in-
Teesdale by local school children
who vigorously waved Lesotho
flags. Community members and
tourists also joined in to give the
warmest of greetings. Inside the
UTASS office the King and Queen
met with a wide range of people
who spoke about the various
posy of blue gentians.
It was then onto the minibuses up to
Watersmeeting Farm. Despite some
heavy rain at this point Richard and
Dodge Betton gave the King, Queen
and others in the Royal Party an
insight into farming up the dale. Not
surprisingly the King was engrossed
by Richards talk about the Aberdeen
Angus cattle at Watersmeeting.
Before the Royal Party left for their
evening engagement at Auckland
Castle Dodge Betton and Neville
Turner presented topical books to the
King.
On behalf of everyone at UTASS
enormous thanks goes to all who
helped make the day such a
memorable occasion. Your support
and involvement was truly
appreciated.
elements of our work with and for
the community. The King was very
interested to hear from some of
our Farmers about the complex
paperwork required in the running
of a farm in the UK. The Queen
seemed particularly comfortable
talking with some of the young
people who attend the evening
drop in sessions at UTASS and
Hettie Hutchinson presented the
Queen with a copy of the Addicted
to Sheep DVD.
At the Mart the King and Queen
laid a through stone, donated by
Dunhouse, to commemorate the
visit. They asked lots of pertinent
questions whilst they watched a
range of topical activities and skills
demonstrations. The Kings
passion for horses clearly shone
through as he spoke at length with
the Eccles family
about their Dales
Ponies. The hand
versus electric sheep
shearing competition
really entertained all of
the visitors and Anna
Johnson from the
Chaotic Crafters
K n i t t i n g C l u b
presented the Queen
with a hand knitted
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Supporting our Communities in the Durham Dales
The U
TASS N
ew
sletter
is
spons
ore
d b
y
This year’s Middleton-in-Teesdale Carnival events have brought miles of smiles
to the Dale.
The appearance on the village green of all the pupils of Forest of Teesdale School reproduced as life-like scarecrows, and some more traditional scarecrows from the classes of Middleton-in-Teesdale School and young community groups, turned quite a few heads and had cameras clicking. Well-dressed scare-crows also appeared in front gardens and with the new bunt-ing along the procession route, there was a true carnival atmosphere for the village treasure hunt which saw 21 teams working through tricky clues. After the brain workout, it was a test of speed, with fast and furious pedalling in the highly competitive Children’s cycle races.
The Carnival weekend got underway on Friday evening with the crowning of the Carnival Queen, Lucy Watson and with the Family Night at the Sports and Social Club.
On Carnival Day, large crowds enjoyed the fun, of the procession of floats and
Page 2 AUTUMN 2016
Supporting UTASS
You can now support UTASS via Virgin Money Giving.
You can visit www.utass.org and in the “support us” tab You’ll
find a link to our Virgin Money Giving page.
alternatively you can use the QR code opposite.
New Committee ask…
walkers, jazz and pipe bands, circus entertainers and the Fire and Rescue Service. On the school field those with a head for heights took a ride on the Fire and Rescue Services Aerial Ladder Platform, others kept their feet on the ground and enjoyed traditional carnival entertainment and refreshments.
This year has seen a new team at the helm, and Eileen Dent, the Chair of the new Committee was full of praise for the way the whole community had come together to support the Carnival and related events in so many different ways. “People have been very generous with their time, money and donations. The great turnout, with so many people having a good day out, has made it all worthwhile. A very big thank you to everyone who contributed and took part this year and helped those of us new to the team work our way through all that needs to be done to organise and run a
Carnival – which is far more than booking attractions and setting up the gazebos! Going forward, we want to build on this year’s suc-cess and make sure Carnival has something for everyone and runs as smoothly as possible”.
So the Committee would like to hear from you about what you liked or didn’t like, what could be done better and what you would like to see on the Carnival Programme in future. Come along to an open meeting just to let us know your thoughts at 7:30pm Thursday 15
th September
in the Masonic Hall or if you can’t make it, give your comments to any committee member or send to [email protected] or to Hill House, 42 Hill Terrace, Middleton-in-Teesdale, DL12 0SL before the meeting. The Annual General meeting will take place later in October. Carnival 2017 – Saturday 5
th
August – Save the date!
Committee Members: Eileen Dent, Laura Robinson, Robert Kirby, Diana Currie, Alan and Pam Wood, Jimmy Gibson, Anne and Tom Ridley.
“Middleton in Teesdale Carnival, how was it for You?”
Page 3 AUTUMN 2016
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS AND CHAPERONES NEEDED
Could you spare a couple of hours once every 2 months – particularly on a Thursday evening? If so we’d love to hear from you. Volunteer Drivers would need to be aged over 25 with a clean driving licence
appropriate Criminal Records Bureau (DBS checks) will need to be undertaken. Contact Jen on 01833 641010 or email [email protected]
Page 4 AUTUMN 2016
The George F. White Group provides property and business consultancy services on a regional basis from Southern
Scotland down to North Lincolnshire.
The roots of our business are firmly planted in the agricultural and rural sector and we have extensive knowledge and
experience on all issues relating to property.
We are a business that provides innovative solutions for our clients. Using our breadth and depth of knowledge we
provide clarity, direction and support to help people make the right decisions and achieve the best outcome. We have
a team of 120 people (and growing!) that operate from our seven offices. We have a culture of innovation, inspiration,
honesty and commitment. We work collaboratively to bring excellent people together to deliver the right solutions for
our clients.
The UTASS Newsletter is sponsored by
UTASS Christmas Cards & 2017 Calendar
It may only be August, however we’ll shortly be looking at putting together
our 2017 Calendar and choosing our Christmas card design.
If you have any photographs you’d like to offer for the 2016 Christmas card
or the 2017 calendar please email them to [email protected]
If you would like to advertise your business in the calendar,
get in touch for sponsorship details.
Page 5 AUTUMN 2016
If you have any suggestions,
please do get in touch.
We champion ourselves upon the youth sessions
working, because they are what the young people
want.
Helen Fothergill, a carer support worker f rom Durham County Carers Support visits UTASS every other Friday, supporting ca re r s in our loca l community.
You can find out more information by visiting w w w . d d c a r e r s . o r g or contact Helen on 01833 600 577.
OUTREACH FACILITIES AT UTASS
Teesdale Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offer a drop-in service at UTASS fortnightly on Mondays. 1pm - 4pm.
George F White Partner, Robyn Peat, is available on the first Monday of every month for professional and business advice at UTASS. Free appointments can be made through UTASS (01833 641010 or [email protected]) or by phoning George F White’s on 01388 527966
Mobile Beauty Therapist Emma Richardson of
Tranquil Treatments works from UTASS every Friday.
Her treatment menu and price list is on the UTASS website, www.utass.org
Nicky Tul loch f rom the Alzheimer’s Society will be based at UTASS on Fridays, with a remit to help people living with Dementia, their carers and families, by providing information, advice and support.
For further details contact her on 07484 040630 or email : Nicola.Tulloch@ alzheimers.org.uk
Rachel visits UTASS every 6 weeks, of fer ing nai l t r imming & correction, skin conditions, heel pain, removal of hard skin, corns, callus, verrucae, blisters, athletes foot, fungal infections, diabetic foot assessments, ingrowing toenails and general foot care advice.
NE First Credit Union Opportunities at UTASS
Did you know you can join NE First Credit Union and pay in to your account via UTASS?
Adults can join the credit union for a £1 fee and can now apply immediately for a loan up to a maximum of £15,000. Loan interest rates are calculated daily on a reducing balance basis. There is also free life insurance with every loan.
Young people can also save with the credit union and they do not pay any joining fee. Young savers aged under 8 years also receive a free piggy bank.
Information about NE Credit Union and application packs are available from UTASS during office hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and the collection point service is available on Thursdays between 4pm and 5pm.
Page 6 AUTUMN 2016
** COMING TO UTASS** Here I Belong Pentabus Theatre
It’s Elsie’s birthday. You are invited to the village hall to celebrate with us.
Bring your friends, bring your family or just bring yourself, there will be cake!
Elsie has lived here for 60 years, she has seen elections, weddings, wars,
people coming, people going. The village is where her daughter grew up, it’s
where her husband died and it’s where she’s going to stay. Travel through
time from 1953 to the present day and help Elsie fight to stay where she be-
longs. Join us for a sensitive, charming and honest portrayal about village life
and the right to grow old in your own home.
How does the changing rural landscape and the challenges it offers in-
fluence your choices?
At what point do you have to admit defeat?
Coming to UTASS on Friday 11th November 2016 - 7.30pm
TICKETS : Adults - £10 Children - £7
You can book tickets on line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/269947 or you can call UTASS.
Page 7 AUTUMN 2016 Page 8 AUTUMN 2016
October Events Listings:
Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
September 2016
Citizens Advice are at UTASS every other
Monday, 1pm - 4pm.
‘Mobile Beauty By Emma’ is at UTASS
every Friday.
Durham County Carers are at UTASS every
other Friday, with a coffee morning
happening on Friday 23rd.
Nicky Tulloch from the Alzheimer’s Society
will be here every Friday.
Pilates - every Wednesday, 9.30am.
2nd - Dog Micro Chipping Event at
Middleton Mart
3rd & 4th - Wolsingham Agricultural Show.
8th - UTASS open night at Middleton Mart.
10th & 11th - Stanhope Agricultural Show
10th & 11th - Food & Craft Festival,
Masonic Hall, in Middleton, 10am - 3.30pm.
13th - Middleton in Teesdale Farmers
Lunch.
14th - St Johns Chapel Farmers Lunch.
15th Rachel Logan, Chiropodist at UTASS.
(contact details on page 5)
17th - Eggleston Agricultural Show.
24th - Langdon Beck Sheep Show.
25th - Farmers Market & Craft Fair in
Middleton.
27th - Music & Memories at UTASS the 4th
Tuesday of every month, 2pm - 3pm.
29th - Barnard Castle Farmers Lunch.
DAVEY ARTHUR & FRIENDS CONCERT
Due to circumstances beyond our control The
“DAVEY ARTHUR & FRIENDS” concert planned for Friday 16th September
has been cancelled.
Have you changed your email address?
Please keep us up to date & let us know of any change to your
email address. This will help UTASS minimise exceeding our
deferred limit of failed email attempts on our server. To update
any of your contact details please send amendments to . . .
Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su
31 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
October 2016 Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
November 2016
November Events Listings: September Events Listings:
Citizens Advice are at UTASS every other
Monday, 1pm - 4pm.
‘Mobile Beauty By Emma’ is at UTASS
every Friday.
Durham County Carers are at UTASS every
other Friday, with a coffee morning
happening on Friday 21st.
Nicky Tulloch from the Alzheimer’s Society
will be here every Friday.
Pilates - every Wednesday, 9.30am.
11th - Middleton in Teesdale Farmers
Lunch.
12th - St Johns Chapel Farmers Lunch.
20th - Barnard Castle Farmers Lunch.
24th to 28th - UTASS office closed.
25th - Music & Memories at UTASS the 4th
Tuesday of every month, 2pm - 3pm.
30th - Farmers Market & Craft Fair in
Middleton.
Citizens Advice are at UTASS every other
Monday, 1pm - 4pm.
‘Mobile Beauty By Emma’ is at UTASS eve-
ry Friday.
Durham County Carers are at UTASS every
other Friday, with a coffee morning
happening on Friday 18th.
Nicky Tulloch from the Alzheimer’s Society
will be here every Friday.
Pilates - every Wednesday, 9.30am.
9th - St Johns Chapel Farmers Lunch.
15th - Middleton in Teesdale Farmers
Lunch.
17th - Barnard Castle Farmers Lunch.
22nd - Music & Memories at UTASS the 4th
Tuesday of every month, 2pm - 3pm.
26th - Middleton Mart Christmas Fair
(Further details on the back page) and
Christmas Lights switch on.
27th - Farmers Market & Craft Fair in Mid-
dleton.
Page 9 AUTUMN 2016
Locals, farmers and land managers are invited to attend a special session during the three
day Artists, Farmers and Philosophers’ symposium
Hill Farming in the 21st
Century Mickleton Village Hall, Thursday 8
th September between 2:30pm & 5:00pm
Tea & cake will be served.
Keynote speaker Lord Inglewood (Landowner, Member of The House of Lords) will discuss hill farming and the uplands. Dr Margaret Bradshaw MBE will explain the importance of grazing and hefting in preserving a biodiversity treasure - the Tees-dale Assemblage of Flowering Plants. Kay and Tom Hutchinson, stars of TV & film documentary Addicted to Sheep, will talk about a year on their tenant farm and explain how the international response to the film has influenced them.
Other speakers at this session include Lord Barnard, local farmer Richard Betton and Natural England board member Julia Aglionby.
There are 100 free places available and booking is required.
Those wishing to attend should call and register either at:
Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services on 01833 641010 OR
Heart of Teesdale Landscape Partnership on 03000 260842
For more information contact Ewan Allinson, CEO Landscape and Arts Network, and chair of the symposium steering group.
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 07840-277505
TRAINING UPDATE
Page 10 AUTUMN 2016
Please contact Julia Stephenson or Charlotte Fletcher on 01833 641010 or email [email protected] /[email protected] for more information
(Please remember UTASS is closed on Wednesdays)
Spray Training & Assessments Another 16 trainees attended the final round of training over four days for the NPTC Safe Use of Pesticides (PA or Grandfather route) at UTASS and Middleton Mart. Training and assessments covered Handheld or Mounted/Mounted +Weedwiper, with practical assessments finishing on 19th August. Five assessments for the Certificate of Competence for the Transport of Livestock - Cattle and Sheep, have also been completed. Additional information regarding the Safe Use of pesticides or Safe Use of Sheep Dip qualification can be found on the Training Opportunities page of our website.
Our thanks go to Middleton Mart, Edwin Parkin, Jane Philbrick, Carl Stephenson, Craig Gibson and Martin Sayer for the loan of equipment to make this training possible and to Middleton Mart for the use of their facilities for a venue and to Bill Metcalf for help with arrangements.
Vehicle Training to Improve Employability We were delighted to hear that we have been awarded funding from The Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. The funding will provide car & trailer lessons, car driving lessons, quad bike or pre-test tractor training or Lantra 13-16 tractor driving. (Application form downloadable from our website or from UTASS.) Our thanks go to The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust whose funding is coming to an end, with some of the trailer and quad bike training being finished off over the summer. Lantra 13-16 Tractor driving was held on 23rd July (pictured opposite). Grateful thanks go for the team effort to make this training possible - this time involving a tractor & trailer kindly loaned by Lloyd Limited, Bishop Auckland, a venue provided by kind permission of Barnard Castle Auction Mart and voluntary help from John and Fay Hutchinson and other UTASS Members. Thanks too to Terry Maw, the Lantra trainer who has been delivering
this excellent training for over 9 years and makes it such a enjoyable learning experience for the two trainees.
BWMB Shearing Course Thanks to Weardale Action Partnership and The Heart of Teesdale for each providing part funding for the mix of eligible trainees, reducing the cost for two days to £90 including VAT. We had an excellent venue at Tow Law for 22 & 23 June – we’ve had really good feedback, with Blue, Bronze & Silver Seals being achieved! Thanks to Linda & Peter O’Shea for kindly providing the venue. Funding for Weardale Rural Skills Training So far nine trainees have been part funded by Weardale Action Partnership towards their spray training and two for the Semex DIY AI for Cattle training held on 13-16th June, two for British Wool Marketing Board Sheep Shearing on 22 & 23 June and three for Lantra Chainsaw training held at Hamsterley Forest on 29 & 30 June (pictured below). Rough Terrain Forklift Truck training is also being planned for the middle of September to be held in Weardale. Funding from Weardale Action Partnership, over two years, is being made available to farmers living or working in Weardale towards the cost of a wide range of rural skills, with a First Aid course being free of charge. Mostly accredited, training on offer includes Artificial Insemination for Cattle, Emergency First Aid at Work (outdoor related); British Wool Marketing Board shearing training, Car + Trailer driving lessons; NPTC Safe Use of Pesticides; NPTC Rough Terrain Forklift Truck, Lantra Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting, as well as Drystone Walling. Application forms can be downloaded fro the UTASS website.
Page 11 AUTUMN 2016
AGE Details Duration Cost to Trainee Funder details
12+ Lambing Course (see information sheet) 2 Hours FREE OF CHARGE Castle Vets
13-16 Lantra 13-16 Tractor Driving 1 Day Approx £160 + VAT New funding confirmed
15+ British Wool Marketing Board Shearing Course 2 Days £150 + VAT Heart of Teesdale/WAP
16+ Pre Tractor Test training (own venue with tractor) 1.5 hrs Approx £50 New funding confirmed
16+ Quad Bike (All Terrain Vehicle) Training 1 Day Approx £150 + VAT New funding confirmed
16+ NPTC Certificate of Competence for the Transport of Livestock Assess only Approx £50 Not usually funded
16+ NPTC Safe Use of Pesticides - theory & practical 2 Days + Assess Approx £310 inc VAT Not usually funded
16+ NPTC Safe Use of Sheep Dip 1 Day + Assess Approx £150 + VAT Not usually funded
16+ Lantra Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting 2 Days £270 + VAT Not usually funded
16+ DIY Artificial Insemination for Cattle 3 Days + Assess £450 + VAT Not usually funded
16+ NPTC Level 2 Cert of Comp in Forklift Truck Operations 2 days Approx £425+VAT Not usually funded
16+ Lantra Level 1 (& 2) Award in Drystone Walling Variable Min £110 Not usually funded
16+ Hedgelaying/Drystone Walling funded by Heart of Teesdale 2 days FREE OF CHARGE Funding coming to an end
17+ B + E Test - Car & Trailer Lessons (needed to tow livestock) Min 4 lessons £120 + VAT/3 hr lesson New funding confirmed
LOCAL COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES & TRAINING PROVIDERS
www.newtonrigg.ac.uk
www.ncl.ac.uk (Newcastle University)
www.eastdurham.ac.uk/vocational_course_levels_explained £6.70 per hour aged 21 and over
www.valeuk.com/training £5.30 per hour for 18 to 20 year olds
www.johnjonestraining.co.uk £3.87 per hour for 16-17 years old
£3.30 per hour for an apprentice
WEBSITES FOR CAREERS ADVICE The accommodation offset rate will also increase from the current £5.08 to £5.35
www.plotr.co.uk
www.careerpilot.org.uk
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
OTHER INFORMATION
www.cdfyfc.co.uk (County Durham Federation of Young Farmers Clubs)
www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
INFORMATION ON TRAINING COURSES (please check as some may already be included on college courses!)
Increases in the National Minimum Wage came into effect from 1 October 2015. The new
National Minimum wage rates are:
Julia Stephenson, UTASS, 9-11 Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard
Castle. DL12 0SN -www.utass.org (01833 641010)
The rate for apprentices is for those apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over
who are in their first year. All other apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage
(NMW) for their year.
Educational Links Funding is kindly being provided by the Heart of Teesdale for one more educational visit to Middleton Mart by Woodland Primary School to take place on Tuesday, 20th September, after the last visit in May by the Reception Class from Middleton School. We are most grateful to the Heart of Teesdale who have funded these visits and also for the four educational banners which have been extensively used for these visits, as well as for local shows and other venues to provide engaging information about local farming and the farming seasons. UTASS Open Evening—Thursday, 8th September—6-8pm at Middleton Mart This event will be held on Thursday, 8th September at Middleton Mart following requests from those who attend the Drop In, one of whom is bringing along his rare breed poultry, the event will include a Farm Safety Awareness session, A Nail Bar, a model of the S & A Roundhouse, BWMB information on fleeces, emergency services, a display of antique veterinary equipment and the Business Units at the Mart will be opening up for the evening. Community members are welcome to join in these activities, as well as find out more information about our new 10 seater minibus (which doesn’t require volunteer drivers to have D1 on their licence and makes it accessible to drivers who passed their test after 1.1.97). Refreshments and hot supper will be served and we would like to thank The Heart of Teesdale for sponsoring this event.
Note Regarding the disposal of dead Vermin killed with rodenticide
The Environment Agency confirmed for us that vermin killed on your farm can be buried on the farm without the need for
any licences/permits from them.
Page 12 AUTUMN 2016
UTASS disclaimer
Please Note: UTASS cannot take any responsibility and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings
about the individuals advertising their services, the items for sale or content of any website accessed by
hypertext link and links should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind. UTASS has no control over the
availability of the linked pages.
Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services Ltd [UTASS]
is a Registered Charity 1120120 and Company Limited by Guarantee 6054331.
UTASS gratefully acknowledges the support and financial contributions from Volunteers, The R H Woods Charitable Trust, Esmee Fairbairn North East and the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, Durham County Council, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust, The Martell Family Fund, The Lloyd’s Bank Foundation for England and Wales, The Barbour Foundation, The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, BBC Children in Need, The Sir James Knott Charitable Trust, The Sir John Priestman Charity Trust, The Joseph Strong Frazer Trust, The Rothley Trust, The Hadrian Trust, The HSBC Agriculture, County Durham Community Foundation, The Heart of Teesdale, Sponsors and Service Users..
Fourth Middleton Mart Christmas Fair to take place in November ….
The fourth Middleton Mart Christmas Fair will be taking place on S a t u r d a y 2 6 t h November, alongside the ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ in the village.
Booking forms are now available for those wishing to exhibit at the event.
We are also keen to take applications from local community groups who would like to ‘host’ the café as a fund raising exercise.
Please email Emma ([email protected]) for further information and to request a booking form.
